King James Version

What Does Psalms 11:6 Mean?

“Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. an horrible: or, a burning tempest”

Context

The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. an horrible: or, a burning tempest

For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **Rain snares.**—Or *nooses. *(Comp. 1Corinthians 7:35.) This is certainly an extraordinary figure, and various emendations have been suggested. Ewald’s “coals of fire” (*pecham *for *pachîm*) is the best (comp. Psalm 18:13, where the Hebrew word, however, is *gechalîm, *“live, or red coals”; while *pecham *is used in Proverbs 26:21 as *fuel *for fire, in contrast with *live coals: *but in Isaiah 44:12; Isaiah 54:16 it is itself plainly *burning *coal.) He arranges the clauses thus: “Causeth to rain upon wicked men coals of fire with brimstone; a glowing blast is the portion of their cup.” “Put we our quarrel to the will of Heaven, Who, when he sees the hours ripe on earth, Will rain hot vengeance on offenders’ heads.” —SHAKESPEARE: *Rich. II., *i. 2. **Horrible tempest.**—Literally, *wind of heats; *“Vulg., *spiritus procellarum; *Targum, *storm and whirlwind; *as in Latin, *aestus *combines the ideas of heat and violent motion; so the Hebrew word here. Probably, therefore, we must think of a hot, poisonous wind—the *simoom.* Or may we see one more reminiscence of the fate of Sodom and Gomorrha stamped indelibly on the Hebrew mind?

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 11:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.